Here at Hatsudai Church, faith meets modern design. Catholic Hatsudai Church stands as a beacon of worship. It is nestled along the bustling Yamate Street near Shinjuku.
Let’s step back in time to understand Hatsudai Church’s origins. After the war, Japan saw a surge of interest in Christianity. Churches struggled to find enough clergy to guide the growing number of believers. Many missionaries arrived from overseas to help.
In 1948, priests from Quebec, Canada came to Japan. They responded to an invitation from Yokohama Diocese Bishop WADA. They began missionary work in Kamakura. By 1951, their work had spread to Hatsudai in Tokyo. They used a bomb-damaged store as a temporary church. A monastery was added above it. This store served as a storage area. It held the monastery’s library until 2002.
Saint Joseph Kindergarten opened in 1954. The first church bulletin was also published. In 1956, Hatsudai became its own parish. It separated from the Yoyogi parish.
A dedicated church was consecrated in July 1964. For nearly 40 years, it was a place of faith and prayer. Road expansion led to the dismantling of this church. A new Hatsudai Church was consecrated on September 16, 2002.
The current church retains the atmosphere of the old church. It also embraces a fresh design. Seen from Yamate Street, the exterior is clearly a church. Its design makes a lasting impression.
Inside the main church, you will find the Stations of the Cross. These came from Moto-Tera-Koji Church. This church is the cathedral of Sendai Diocese. Mr. Yasutake Funakoshi created them for Moto-Tera-Koji Church. They were removed during renovations. The altar front features stained glass. Artist Masato Shibata created this. It shows the Holy Spirit descending as light.
Hatsudai Church also uses plasma displays. These show hymns and liturgical texts. They also assist during weddings and funerals. The bright church serves as a place for new missionary work. It continues to be cherished by many.